Elementary Faith Formation

2023-2024 Children & Family Formation Offerings 

View Calendar Here

NOTE: Maximum family cost cap across all programs is $270.

Elementary Faith Formation (EFF)
Registration Fee: $90.00, includes Sacramental Preparation and Family Faith Sundays

• PreK/Kindergarten - 5th Grade
• Wednesday evenings, beginning September 13, 2023 through May 8, 2024 from 6 - 7:15 PM
• Sessions will generally not be held on the first Wednesday of each month in honor of participation at Family Faith Sundays
• Families enrolled in Wednesday EFF do not need to register for Family Faith Sundays as registration is automatically included with your EFF registration
• Elementary classes use Word of Life curriculum, a joint creation of The Augustine Institute and Ignatius Press

Click here to register for Elementary Faith Formation

Sacramental Preparation
Registration Fee for those not enrolled in EFF: $40.00

• Typically for 2nd Grade students preparing for First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion
• Sacramental Preparation for EFF students occurs in the classroom on Wednesday evenings, focusing exclusively on the study and appreciation of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist
• Two parent + child retreats are included for preparation of the Sacraments, one retreat for First Reconciliation in December and the other for First Holy Communion in April
• For children who receive formation in Catholic school or homeschool, registration and participation in the two Sacramental Retreats with the EFF children is required before First Reconciliation and First Holy Communion

Click here to register for First Sacraments Retreats

Family Faith Sunday
Registration Fee for Families Not Enrolled in Elementary Faith Formation: $150.00

• Open to all families with children ages infant to high school.
• Family Faith Sunday gatherings are held one Sunday per month from September through May, typically the first Sunday of the month.
• Each month’s gathering starts with 10:30 Mass followed by a potluck lunch and teaching led by priests and staff in the lower lounge.
• Sessions are for the whole family, together. Faith, Family Fellowship & Fun! 
• Registration is required for non-EFF families.
• See the Family Faith Sunday page for more information! 

Click here to register for 2023-24 Family Faith Sunday

Catechesis of the Good Shepherd (CGS)
Registration Fee: $90.00

• Sessions offered for 3 - 6 year olds
• Sessions meet on Tuesday mornings from 10-11:30 AM beginning in September through May
• Lead Catechist: Nannet Horton
• Visit the CGS page on STA’s website for more information

Click here to register for CGS

For more information or for registration assistance:
Lisa Schmidt, Director of Faith Formation & Evangelization | lisa@staparish.net | 515-292-3810

Faith Formation at St. Thomas Aquinas Church and Catholic Student Center exists to GATHER parishioners to an encounter with Christ that will TRANSFORM their hearts, so that they may be SENT as disciples into the world.

Word of Life Curriculum